The Taste NY program is expanding its presence at The Great New York State Fair this year, offering an increased selection of local food and beverages in the Horticulture Building. The New York State Tasting Yard has relocated to this building, joining the Taste NY Pop-Up Market and Marketplace to create a consolidated area for fairgoers to sample and purchase products from across the state.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said, “I’m excited to see our Taste NY program continue to grow and expand its presence at The New York State Fair, providing a unique platform for our New York farmers and food and beverage producers to introduce their homegrown products to thousands of new consumers. I encourage everyone to stop by the Horticulture Building to learn more about New York’s food and agriculture industries and buy some delicious local products to take home with them.”
Fair Director Julie LaFave commented, “The Great New York State Fair is about showcasing all there is to love about New York – and of course, that includes the food. The Taste NY Pop-Up Market, Marketplace, and Tasting Yard are fairgoer favorites for good reason, and I’m excited that this year our visitors will be able to discover so many locally made food, beverages, and locally made products all in one place.”
The Tasting Yard now features 13 local businesses on a rotating schedule presenting craft beverages such as beer, cider, wine, mead, and spirits. Nearby is a mural titled “Sip the State,” created by Caroline Corrigan as a tribute to New York’s craft beverage industry. There is also an indoor green space with Adirondack chairs for visitors.
Classes on New York agriculture will be held in the Seminar Room adjacent to the Tasting Yard. Megan Chelednik from Syracuse University designed the layout for both spaces.
The Taste NY Pop-Up Market offers over 290 unique items from more than 85 vendors statewide. Operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, it allows visitors to try various foods and drinks produced in New York. The Taste NY Marketplace will host more than 40 producers over the course of the fair’s 13 days; up to 12 producers will sample daily with products ranging from baked goods and sauces to soaps and candles.
A Purchase Check service is available so visitors can store their Taste NY purchases while exploring other parts of the fairgrounds. Alcoholic beverages cannot be stored through this service.
This year also marks a focus on natural fibers with a limited-edition belt bag made from New York wool and US-sourced hemp available at the Pop-Up Market.
Christopher Ian of Cornell Cooperative Extension said, “Each year at the Great New York State Fair, the Taste NY Pop-up Market gives us the chance to share the stories and flavors of New York’s incredible producers. From farm to fair, and from artisan workshops to local kitchens, we celebrate the creativity and passion behind every product. On behalf of CCE Sullivan, my team and I are proud to lead, with the support and collaboration of the other Taste NY Welcome Centers, in creating a memorable experience for visitors and communities alike.”
Artist Caroline Corrigan stated about her mural: “I was thrilled for the opportunity to create a mural design for The New York State Fair. Working with the team at the Department of Agriculture and Markets, I tried to represent and honor the different craft beverages that are made in New York: beer, wine, spirits, cider, and mead. The mural is designed to be interactive…The bold colors and graphic patterns are a typical part of the visual language in my work…”
Paul Leone from the Brewers Association added: “The New York State Fair has always been a great place to discover some of the best food and beverages this state has to offer…With the move of the Tasting Yard…fairgoers will now be able to enjoy an even wider variety…and have the opportunity to meet…brewers…a perfect complement…”
Scott Ramsey from Cider Association remarked: “NY Cider is deeply woven into New York’s agricultural heritage…From our orchards to your glass…we’re thrilled to showcase…at…the Great New York State Fair.”
Other attractions in the Horticulture Building include exhibits by organizations such as Empire Honey Producers Association; SUNY Cobleskill; Morrisville State College; https://www.nyfb.org/ (New York Farm Bureau); displays featuring plants; maple syrup products; honey; butterflies; landscaping exhibits; produce contests; https://nysfair.ny.gov/your-visit/maps-directions/ (maps); https://nysfair.ny.gov/event/the-great-new-york-state-fair/ (potato booth) selling $1 baked potatoes.
Taste NY highlights locally grown or processed foods through events like The Great New York State Fair as well as retail locations around https://taste.ny.gov/. Since its launch in 2013 it has generated over $100 million in economic impact for state producers over ten years while supporting nearly 2,000 businesses.
The Great New York State Fair runs August 20 through September 1 with tickets available at https://nysfair.ny.gov/buy-tickets/. Admission remains $8 per ticket or $25 for frequent attendees. Seniors aged 65+ or children under 12 enter free—making it among America’s most affordable fairs.
Founded in 1841—the oldest such event nationwide—the fair continues as part of Central New York’s economic development strategy via tourism initiatives like CNY Rising.
